AISLEBRIDE - EMILY AND MANISH'S PERFECT DAY
Why did you choose to visit The Aisle?
My Maid of Honor was the one who recommended I book an appointment after we discovered it was one of the very few places in the UK to stock the MWL range. Although I’m from Ilkley originally, I’ve been living down in London for the last 7 years, so I wasn’t really up to date with bridal boutiques in the area. It felt like it was meant to be, when the dress that I had my eye on was now available in a beautiful boutique in the town that grew up in.
Is the style of dress you chose what you thought you would originally go for?
Yes, and no. I knew I didn’t want anything too traditional or formal; I knew it would more than likely be form fitting as I’m fairly petite; and I knew that it needed to be one that I could throw some shapes on the dancefloor in, as that’s usually where you’ll find me at any wedding…. but I was never really ever drawn to lace dresses when visualizing my perfect dress. I’m usually a less is more kind of girl, so always assumed I go with something quite simple. That all changed, however, when I came across Stevie in Bone. My Maid of Honor sent me an Instagram post of her when I first got engaged, getting as excited as I was thinking about what I’d walk down the aisle in. I am so glad she did as it made my dress search incredibly easy, as I pretty much knew already that Stevie was the one for me.
Where did you get married and why did you pick this venue?
We got married at the fabulous Wharfedale Grange. It had only just opened when we got engaged and not everything was finished, but I just loved it. I loved the way it was both modern and rustic, the amazing décor also meant that we didn’t have to think too much about additional decorations, the venue is amazing just as it is. I also loved the fact that there were different rooms for the ceremony and reception, with plenty of space for our guests to enjoy a drinks reception if the Yorkshire weather decided not to cooperate on the day…. And the Farmhouse. What an added bonus! It meant all our bridal and groom’s party could stay together and chat into the early hours talking about our favourite bits in the day. Another key factor was that I was determined to get ready in my family home, the one that I grew up in, the morning of the wedding. This narrowed my options quite a bit, but that didn’t matter at all because we loved Wharfedale Grange so much.
One top tip to offer new brides?
Enjoy the whole process. If it seems stressful or it’s a task on your to-do list that fills you with dread, don’t do it. It’s just not worth it! As a COVID bride, who has technically had to plan her wedding 3 times, I can’t emphasize this enough. A wedding isn’t just about the day and the marriage, but also all the amazing things you get to do in the run up too so make sure you’re not too stressed to enjoy them all.
When did you know the dress was the one?
The Aisle was the very first dress shop that I visited with my Mum, Aunt and close family friend way back in June 2019. I tried on several dresses, with Stevie and Clara being a close tie for number one. Given this, Katie suggested that I go away, think about it, and maybe visit a few other boutiques to try on some different styles as this would help me make my final decision. She was totally right. A few months later, after doing as she suggested, I was still thinking about Stevie. Every dress I just compared to how she made me feel. When I tried her on again, I just knew. This is what I loved so much about the process at The Aisle. Katie never pressured me into making a decision, she genuinely wanted me to find my perfect dress. I kept my dress a secret from everyone apart from my mum, even my bridesmaids had no idea. Partly because I wanted to capture the first look properly on the day itself, but also because I didn’t want to be swayed by other people’s reactions. I’m so glad I did this as it meant showing the girls on the day was even more special as they’d been trying to second guess my dress for the last 2 years. When COVID hit and our day was postponed twice and moved to over a year later I was initially worried about whether I’d still feel the same about Stevie. I’d seen so many brides on the blogs that I was on who had fallen out of love with their dresses and were now dreading wearing them. Well, I needn’t have worried. As soon as I tried Stevie on again when I picked her up for my fittings, I realized I was just as much in love with her as I was when I first chose her…. If not more.
What was your highlight of your big day?
How long have you got? I’m definitely very biased, but the whole day was honestly the best. It was the first time seeing most of our families and friends since COVID started, so every moment was just that bit more special to us… and to be honest, after 2 cancellations and a COVID scare the week before this date, I was just so happy it was even happening at all. Of course I have all the usual ones, including my Dad looking incredibly proud walking me down the aisle to our favorite family song (Bob Marley, This is Love), getting ready in the morning with my bridesmaids, Manish’s reaction to seeing me in my dress, the delicious Hog & Apple food, our amazing band that got all ages twisting on the dancefloor… I really could go on and on but, really, I think my very most favorite part of the day was entering the wedding breakfast as “Mr and Mrs Mohan” – seeing everyone’s faces and how happy they were to be celebrating with us all together was just the most special feeling.
Suppliers:
Venue: Wharfedale Grange
Food: Hog & Apple
MUA: Amy George
Hair: Emily Hawkes
Shoes: Loeffler Randall
Earrings and Hairpins: Alabaster Dream
Florist: Leafy Couture
Bridesmaid Dresses: Oasis
Photographer: Jenny Madden
Videographer: Kieran Paul
Men’s Suits: Next
Cardigan: Dancing Leopard
Seamstress: The Bobbin
Veil: Veiled Beauty
Nails: Luxe Beauty (just wanted to give them a shout out as they did the most amazing job getting me wedding ready!)
